Personal data security

DHS Investigates Missing Airport Employee IDs

The security IDs of more than 1,400 workers at America’s busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, were lost or stolen over a period of about two years. The IDs, known as SIDA badges, give employees privileged access past screening areas and allow them to enter secure portions of airports through employee doors.

The US Department of Homeland Security Inspector General John Roth has said that the IG office is now reviewing security policies regarding SIDA (Secure Identification Display Area) badges at two dozen major US airports.

Many airports require employees to enter a PIN or scan their hand to access secure areas, but some security officials raised concerns that perpetrators in possession of the badges could gain illicit access to secure areas by other means like sneaking in through an unsecured gate. Once inside and with badges on full display, they would draw little attention and could walk around with little hindrance.